There’s a small beach where fishermen lived a long time ago, long before Obama Castle was built. The scene of fishing nets hung to dry along the beach looked like spider webs from a distance, which is where the beach got its name “Kumohama,” meaning “spider beach.” Eventually, it became known as Unpin. The word “Unpin” has been passed down in Obama, but there’s an even deeper story behind the name.

The ocean view found here is depicted in a picture scroll from the Edo Period called “Unpin Hakkei.” The town of Nishizu transformed from a fishing town to a port of call for Kitamae-bune, giving them a unique opportunity to connect to the outside world, unlike other towns around them. Cargo ships came and brought things from other parts of Japan or Asia that most other people wouldn’t see in their lifetime. How do you think this connection to the world from the ocean shaped their view? This ocean view has been an inspiration to many, from Furukawaya, to Kitamae-bune, to Wakasa lacquerware.

The stories of Unpin transcend space and time. Your view might change after hearing them, too.

Narrated by Happyakubikuni (voiced by Kate Beck)

ON THE TRIP Editorial Department
Akito Shiga, Hiroshi Honma, Otoka Nara
Translation: Sara Scarf, Kevin Rea

※This guide was created based on documents and interviews and includes some interpretation done by us at ON THE TRIP. Theories differ between experts, so try to find out what really happened on your travels!